HOW TO TELL WHEN YOUR JACKFRUIT ARE READY FOR HARVEST

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Artocarpus heterophyllus
FAMILY: Moraceae

(1) A dull hollow sound is produced when the fruit is tapped by the finger;

(2) the last leaf of the peduncle yellows;

(3) fruit spines become well-developed and wider spaced;

(4) the spines yield to moderate pressure;

(5) an aromatic odour develops.

Picking time for jackfruit depends on whether the fruit will be used at home or sold in the market. Jackfruit intended to be eaten soon should be harvested when the rind is fairly soft, the peduncle leaves have turned orange, and the fruit produces an aromatic odour. At this stage, the flesh of jackfruit is slimy, juicy and orange-yellow.

Fruit which will be sold in retail stands or brought to distant markets should be still firm and without any aroma. However, the leaf nearest the fruit must be starting to turn yellow and the spines be already well-developed and set far apart. The flesh of the jackfruit at this stage is crispy and pale yellow.

Extract Mackay Branch Newsletter

DATE: September 1994

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